Parents' Guide to

Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam

TV Netflix Reality TV 2024
Dirty Pop-The Boy Band Scam TV Image: Photo of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Lou Pearlman.

Common Sense Media Review

By Ty'Kira Smalls , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Boy band legacy is tied to fraud and forgery; swearing.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Interview still of Lou Pearlman at his desk. There are awards and framed photos behind him.
  • A.J. McLean gives a testimonial. He sits in front of a piano and microphones.
  • Howie Dorough leans back in an armchair in a testimonial.

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What's the Story?

DIRTY POP: THE BOY BAND SCAM details the rise and fall of Lou Pearlman, the businessman responsible for the creation of history's biggest boy bands. Originally in the aviation industry, Pearlman saw that there was more money to be made in the music scene. Moving to Florida, Pearlman put together two groups of five young men, which became the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. Under Pearlman's management, the two groups soared to fame and success beyond their wildest dreams. But one thing was lacking: money. Smelling something suspicious, the groups took legal action against Pearlman. This unraveled Pearlman's complicated web of one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in history.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Just like the actions of Lou Pearlman, this series is disjointed and murky at times. Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam is undoubtedly entertaining, but it's tangled up in too many tales and testimonials. Fans of the bands mentioned might find it interesting, but as it's just the tip of the iceberg, their attention might be lost fast. The language and sexual themes make this suitable for teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the usage of AI in Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam. A digitally generated and altered clip of Pearlman is frequently used. What do you think of the usage of AI in media based on real people/events? Can you think of any other media that has used this? Why do you think it was used?

  • Were you familiar with the history of the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC's connection with Lou Pearlman before the series? Did anything surprise you?

TV Details

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